The Bukidnon woodcock, or Philippine woodcock is a medium-sized wader. It was only described as new to science as recently as 2001, although the initial specimens had been collected on Luzon in the 1960s, these were originally misidentified as Eurasian woodcock specimens. It was not until the bird was heard calling in 1993, and new specimens obtained on Mindanao in 1995, that it was realised that the species was new. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the highlands of Luzon and Mindanao, favoring montane and mossy forests with adjacent clearings, grasslands, and forest edges. It frequents damp ground, seeps, and stream margins within dense vegetation. Activity peaks at dusk and dawn when males display over ridgelines and glades. Ground nests are placed in leaf litter under cover, and the species is mostly nocturnal outside display periods.
Altitude Range
700–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bukidnon woodcock, or Philippine woodcock, is a cryptic, highland wader endemic to the Philippines and described as new to science only in 2001 after distinctive calls drew attention to it in the 1990s. It performs crepuscular display flights (“roding”) over forest edges and clearings. Despite its limited range, it is assessed as Least Concern, though ongoing forest degradation could affect its specialized montane habitats.
Temperament
shy and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
buoyant display flights with steady wingbeats; otherwise low, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Generally solitary, coming together only for breeding. Males perform aerial display flights over edges and clearings at dusk and dawn. Nests are simple ground scrapes in leaf litter, typically with a small clutch cared for by the female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
During display flights it gives a series of sharp squeaks and nasal grunts in repeated sequences. At rest it is usually quiet, using soft contact notes from dense cover.
